Trigger Mechanism For A Firearm

ABSTRACT

A trigger mechanism is disclosed. The trigger mechanism contains a trigger element containing a first aperture, a trigger coupled with the trigger element, a disconnector containing a second aperture, and a trigger element pin sleeve containing a third aperture, wherein the trigger element is pivotally coupled with the disconnector by the trigger element pin sleeve positioned in the first aperture and the second aperture.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a firearm. More particularly, the present invention relates to a trigger mechanism for a firearm.

BACKGROUND

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded lower receiver 10 parts of a firearm known in the art. The lower receiver 10 parts comprise a fire selector 20 and a trigger mechanism to be positioned in an opening 101. The trigger mechanism known in the art comprises a hammer 25, a hammer spring 26, a trigger 30, trigger spring 40, a disconnector 35, and a disconnector spring 45. As known in the art, the hammer 25 is pivotally mounted directly to the lower receiver 10 with a pin 50 through apertures 60, 65. As known in the art, the trigger 30 is pivotally mounted directly to the lower receiver 10 with another pin 55 through apertures 70, 75.

When a user removes the pins 50, 55 from the lower receiver 10, the trigger mechanism is removed in individual pieces from the opening 101. This requires the user to reassemble all the individual pieces of the trigger mechanism known in the art before it can be positioned back in the opening 101. As known in the art, reassembling of the individual pieces of the trigger mechanism known in the art is a tricky and time-consuming task. Therefore, improvements in a trigger mechanism for a firearm are needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a firearm as known in the art.

FIG. 2a depicts a perspective view of a firearm according to the present application.

FIG. 2b depicts a side, cut away view of the firearm shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3a depicts a perspective view of a trigger mechanism according to the present application.

FIG. 3b depicts another perspective view of the trigger mechanism shown in FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4a depicts an exploded view of the trigger mechanism shown in FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4b depicts another exploded view of a trigger mechanism according to the present application.

FIG. 5a depicts a side view of a trigger mechanism according to the present application.

FIG. 5b depicts a side, cut away view of a trigger mechanism according to the present application.

FIG. 6a depicts a perspective view of a trigger element according to the present application.

FIG. 6b depicts a side, cut away view of a trigger element according to the present application.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a hammer element according to the present application.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a disconnector according to the present application.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of a trigger mechanism according to the present application.

In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of every implementation nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to clearly describe various specific embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the presently claimed invention may be practiced without all of the specific details discussed below. In other instances, well known features have not been described so as not to obscure the invention.

Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

Referring to FIGS. 2a-b , there is shown a portion of a firearm 200 in accordance with some embodiments presently disclosed. FIG. 2a depicts a perspective view of the firearm 200 and FIG. 2b depicts a cutaway, side view of the firearm 200. The firearm 200 may comprise, for example, a stock 205, a barrel (not shown), a grip 210, a removable ammunition magazine 215, a safety mechanism 221, and a lower receiver 250.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the lower receiver 250 comprises openings for accepting the internal mechanisms required to operate the firearm 200. For example, the lower receiver 250 may comprise a magazine well 255 adapted to receive and hold the ammunition magazine 215. The lower receiver 250 may also comprise an opening 260 configured to accommodate a trigger mechanism 80 (shown in FIGS. 3a-b and 4 and described in more details below).

The firearm 200 can be of a variety of types. Examples of a firearm includes handguns, rifles, shotguns, carbines, and personal defense weapons. According to some embodiments, the firearm is a Colt AR-15 rifle or a variant of the AR 15. According to some embodiments, the firearm is a Colt AR-15 rifle configured to fire handgun ammunition using handgun ammunition magazine.

The firing mechanism 80 presently disclosed can be designed to replace the OEM trigger mechanism of the firearm 200, such as, for example, rifles, and provide multiple shooting modes, or can be designed as an OEM trigger mechanism.

FIGS. 3a-b are perspective views of the trigger mechanism 80 suitable for use in the firearm 200. FIGS. 4a-b are exploded views of the trigger mechanisms 80 suitable for use in the firearm 200. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the trigger mechanism 80 comprises a trigger 85 coupled with a trigger element 86, a hammer element 90, a disconnector 95, a trigger element spring 110, a hammer element spring 115, a disconnector spring 120, a trigger element pin 125, and a hammer element pin 130. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the trigger mechanism 80 comprises a hammer element pin sleeve 135. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the trigger mechanism 80 comprises a trigger element pin sleeve 140. Each portion of the trigger mechanism 80 will be described in detail below.

The trigger mechanism 80 is defined by a front 232, a back 234, a top 236, and a bottom 238. Throughout this disclosure, references to orientation (e.g., front(ward), rear(ward), in front, behind, above, below, high, low, back, top, bottom, under, underside, etc.) of structural components shall be defined by that component's positioning in FIGS. 3a-b relative to, as applicable, the front 232, the back 234, the top 236, and the bottom 238 of the trigger mechanism 80, regardless of how the trigger mechanism 80, or the attached firearm 200, may be held and regardless of how that component may be situated on its own (i.e., separated from the trigger mechanism 80).

According to some embodiments, the trigger mechanism 80 is configured to provide a single stage trigger mechanism that provides a single stage resistance which causes the firearm 200 to be discharged once the single resistance is overcome.

The trigger 85 is configured to be pulled by the finger (for example, index finger) of the shooter to initiate the firing cycle of the firearm 200. The trigger element 86 is connected to the trigger element spring 110, which aids in moving the trigger element 86. According to some embodiments, the trigger element spring 110 is positioned within the trigger element 86. According to some embodiments, the trigger element spring 110 is positioned within an aperture 113 (shown in FIG. 5b ) of the trigger element 86.

The trigger element 86 is rotatable about the trigger element pin 125 about a trigger rotation axis. The safety mechanism 221 may be configured to disengage and engage the trigger element 86. The safety mechanism 221 may have at least a safe position and a fire position. When the safety mechanism 221 is in the safe position, the trigger element 86 is prevented from rotating and therefore firearm 200 is prevented from firing. According to some embodiments, the trigger element pin sleeve 140 is positioned within the trigger element 86 and placed around the trigger element pin 125.

The hammer element 90 is rotatable about the hammer element pin 130 about a hammer rotation axis. The hammer element 90 is connected to the hammer element spring 115, which aids in moving the hammer element 90. According to some embodiments, the hammer element pin sleeve 135 is positioned within the hammer element 90 and placed around the hammer element pin 130. According to some embodiments, the hammer element pin sleeve 135 is coupled with the hammer element 90 and placed around the hammer element pin 130. According to some embodiments, the hammer element pin sleeve 135 is integrally coupled with the hammer element 90 and placed around the hammer element pin 130. According to some embodiments, the hammer element pin sleeve 135 is formed as part of the hammer element 90 and placed around the hammer element pin 130.

According to some embodiments, the hammer element spring 115 may engage the hammer element pin sleeve 135 so as to allow the hammer element spring 115 to move the hammer element 90. According to some embodiments, the hammer element spring 115 may engage the hammer element pin 130 so as to allow the hammer element spring 115 to move the hammer element 90.

The hammer element pin 130 and the trigger element pin 125 are each configured to be mounted and secured within the opening 260 of the lower receiver 250.

According to some embodiments, the disconnector 95 is configured to seat at least partially within the trigger element 86. The disconnector 95 is rotatable about the trigger element pin 125 and biased by the disconnector spring 120, which is positioned within the trigger element 86. According to some embodiments, the disconnector spring 120 is positioned within an aperture 123 (shown in FIG. 4b ) of the trigger element 86.

FIG. 5a depicts a side view of the trigger mechanism 80. FIG. 5b depicts a cut away, side view of the trigger mechanism 80.

FIG. 6a depicts a perspective view of the trigger element 86. FIG. 6b depicts a cut away, side view of the trigger element 86. Referring to FIGS. 6a-b , the trigger element 86 includes the trigger 85 and a trigger sear 150. In some embodiments, the trigger element 85 has a ready position (shown in FIGS. 3a-b, 5a-b ) and a fired position (not shown). When in the ready position, a rotation (known as a “pull”) of the trigger 85 attached to the trigger element 86 about the trigger element pin 125 moves the trigger element 86 to the fired position, thereby releasing the hammer element 90 and causing a firearm (for example the firearm 200 of FIGS. 2a-b ), to which the trigger mechanism 80 is attached, to discharge.

The trigger 85 is configured to receive a pulling force from the firearm user, usually by way of a finger pull. The rotation of the trigger 85 moves the trigger element 86 into the fired position. When in the fired position, a pull of the trigger 85 does not activate the firearm. In order for the firearm to discharge again, the trigger 85 must be moved from the fired position to the ready position. The trigger 85 can have a variety of different shapes. For example, the trigger 85 can have a generally straight profile or a generally curved profile.

The trigger sear 150 of the trigger element 86 is configured to interact with the hammer element 90. The trigger sear 150 is positioned at the front 232 of the trigger element 86 and includes a generally flat uniform surface.

According to some embodiments, the trigger element 86 comprises an aperture 155. The aperture 155 is configured to receive the trigger element pin sleeve 140. According to some embodiments, the trigger element pin sleeve 140 comprises an aperture 156 (shown in FIGS. 4a-b ) configured to accommodate the trigger element pin 125.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the hammer element 90. The hammer element 90 comprises a first hammer sear 160, a main body 165, an aperture 166, and a second hammer sear 170. The hammer element 90 is configured to pivot about the hammer element pin 130 between a ready position and a fired position, such that the hammer element 90 strikes a firing pin of a bolt assembly (not shown) of the firearm 200 as it moves from the ready position to the fired position. The hammer element 90 is spring-loaded so that the hammer element spring 115 powers the hammer element 90's movement between the ready position and the fired position.

According to some embodiments, the aperture 166 is configured to receive the hammer element pin sleeve 135. According to some embodiments, the hammer element pin sleeve 135 comprises an aperture 167 (shown in FIG. 7) configured to accommodate the hammer element pin 130.

The first hammer sear 160 is configured to interface with a portion of the trigger sear 150 of the trigger element 86. The first hammer sear 160 is retained by the trigger sear 150 (shown in FIG. 5b ) when the trigger element 86 and the hammer element 90 are in the ready position. According to some embodiments, the first hammer sear 160 is disposed across the entire width of the main body 165 of the hammer element 90.

The second hammer sear 170 is configured to interface with a disconnector sear 180 of the disconnector 95 when the trigger element 86 is in the fired position and the hammer element 90 is near the ready position. The second hammer sear 170 allows the hammer element 90 to be retained by the disconnector 95 if the trigger element 86 is held in a fired position. This is to prevent the hammer element 90 from constantly cycling from the ready to the fired position without the shooter having to pull the trigger element 86 from the ready to the fired position.

According to some embodiments, the hammer element 90 comprises a disconnector contact surface area 400 on the bottom surface of the main body 165. The disconnector contact surface area 400 is configured to interact with a hammer contact surface area 401 of the disconnector 95 as shown in FIGS. 8-9. According to some embodiments, when the trigger element 86 is in the fired position and the hammer element 90 is near the ready position, the disconnector contact surface area 400 of the hammer element 90 pushes down on the hammer contact surface area 401 of the disconnector 95 to make sure that the disconnector sear 180 of disconnector 95 is in a position to interface with the second hammer sear 170 of the hammer element 90 when the hammer element 90 moves away from the disconnector 95.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the disconnector 95. The disconnector 95 includes the disconnector sear 180, an aperture 185, and a spring abutment surface 190. The disconnector sear 180 is configured to retain the second hammer sear 170 if the trigger element 86 is held in the fired position, as described above.

According to some embodiments, the disconnector 95 receives the trigger element pin sleeve 140 at the trigger pin recess 185. According to some embodiments, the disconnector 95 engages the disconnector spring 120 at the spring abutment surface 190.

The disconnector spring 120 has a first end 121 and a second end 122 as shown in FIG. 4b . According to some embodiments, the disconnector spring 120 is cone-shaped. According to some embodiments, the first end 121 is narrower than the second end 122. According to some embodiments, the wider end 122 is placed in the aperture 123 (shown in FIG. 5b ). According to some embodiments, the disconnector spring 120 is retained in the aperture 123 due to friction between the walls of the aperture 123 and the second end 122. According to some embodiments, the disconnector 95 engages the first end 121 of the disconnector spring 120 at the spring abutment surface 190 (shown in FIG. 5b ).

The trigger element spring 110 has a first end 111 and a second end 112 as shown in FIG. 4b . According to some embodiments, the trigger element spring 110 is cone-shaped. According to some embodiments, the first end 111 is narrower than the second end 112. According to some embodiments, the wider end 112 is placed in the aperture 113 (shown in FIG. 5b ). According to some embodiments, the trigger element spring 110 is retained in the aperture 113 due to friction between the walls of the aperture 113 and the second end 112.

According to some embodiments, the opening 260 of the firearm 200 comprises side walls and a bottom wall (i.e. surface) 300 (shown in FIG. 2b ). According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the trigger 85 protrudes through an aperture in the bottom wall 300 when the trigger mechanism 80 is placed in the opening 260 as shown in FIG. 2b . According to some embodiments, the first end 111 of the trigger element spring 110 abuts the bottom wall 300 when the trigger mechanism 80 is placed in the opening 260 as shown in FIG. 2b . According to some embodiments, the trigger element spring 110 is compressed between the bottom wall 300 and the trigger element 86 when the trigger 85 is pulled by the finger of the shooter. According to some embodiments, the trigger element spring 110 pushes the front 232 of the trigger element 86 away from the bottom wall 300 when the trigger 85 is released by the shooter.

According to some embodiments, the trigger mechanism 80 comprises one or more spacers 311, 312 (shown in FIGS. 4b, 5b ). The one or more spacers 311, 312 may be a pin, a screw, a set screw, a full dog point set screw, or a dogleg set screw. According to some embodiments, the one or more spacers 311, 312 are positioned so are to at least partially protrude from the bottom surface 320 of the trigger element 86 as shown in FIG. 5b . According to some embodiments, the trigger element 86 comprises one or more apertures 315, 316 (shown in FIG. 5b ) configured to accommodate the one or more spacers 311, 312. According to some embodiments, the one or more spacers 311, 312 are adjustable to allow the user to change how much they protrude from the bottom surface 320 of the trigger element 86. According to some embodiments, the one or more spacers 311, 312 are threaded through the one or more apertures 315, 316. According to some embodiments, the one or more spacers 311, 312 are threaded through the one or more apertures 315, 316 from the top surface 330 of the trigger element 86.

According to some embodiments, the aperture 315 is positioned between the trigger 85 and the front 232 of the trigger element 86 shown in FIG. 5b . According to some embodiments, the aperture 316 is positioned between the trigger 85 and the back 234 of the trigger element 86 shown in FIG. 5 b.

The spacer 311 has a first end 317 and a second end 318 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 5b . According to some embodiments, the first end 317 of the spacer 311 is positioned in the aperture 315. According to some embodiments, the second end 318 of the spacer 311 abuts the bottom wall 300 when the trigger 85 is pulled by the finger of the shooter. According to some embodiments, the spacer 311 limits how far the shooter is able to pull the trigger 85. According to some embodiments, the user (i.e. shooter) can adjust the traveling distance of the trigger 85 by adjusting how much the spacer 311 protrudes from the bottom surface 320 of the trigger element 86. According to some embodiments, the user (i.e. shooter) can adjust how far the trigger 85 can be pulled by adjusting how much the spacer 311 protrudes from the bottom surface 320 of the trigger element 86.

The spacer 312 has a first end 321 and a second end 322 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 5b . According to some embodiments, the first end 321 of the spacer 312 is positioned in the aperture 316. According to some embodiments, the second end 322 of the spacer 312 abuts the bottom wall 300 when the trigger 85 is released by the shooter. According to some embodiments, the spacer 312 limits how far the trigger element 86 can travel after the shooter releases the trigger 85. According to some embodiments, the spacer 312 limits how far the trigger element spring 110 pushes the front 232 of the trigger element 86 away from the bottom wall 300 when the trigger 85 is released by the shooter. According to some embodiments, the user (i.e. shooter) can adjust the traveling distance of the trigger 85 after it is released by adjusting how much the spacer 312 protrudes from the bottom surface 320 of the trigger element 86.

According to some embodiments, the disconnector 95 is coupled with the trigger element 86 using the trigger element pin sleeve 140. The disconnector 95 is positioned so as to line up the aperture 185 of the disconnector 95 with the aperture 155 of the trigger element 86. Once the aperture 185 is lined up with the aperture 155, the trigger element pin sleeve 140 is inserted through the aperture 185 and the aperture 155. According to some embodiments, after the disconnector 95 is coupled with the trigger element 86 using the trigger element pin sleeve 140, the disconnector 95 is pivotally coupled with the trigger element 86.

After the disconnector 95 is coupled with the trigger element 86 using the trigger element pin sleeve 140, both parts are placed in the opening 260 of the firearm 200. The trigger element pin 125 is used to retain the disconnector 95 and the trigger element 86 within the opening 260 of the firearm 200 as shown in FIG. 2a . Once the disconnector 95 and the trigger element 86 are placed in the opening 260, the trigger element pin 125 inserted into an aperture in a first side of the lower receiver and through the aperture 156 of the trigger element pin sleeve 140 and into another aperture in the second side of the lower receiver 250.

According to some embodiments, the hammer element spring 115 is formed with two openings 340 shown in FIG. 4a . According to some embodiments, the hammer element 90 is coupled with the hammer element spring 115 using the hammer element pin sleeve 135. According to some embodiments, the hammer element spring 115 is positioned between the two openings 340 so as to line up the aperture 166 of the hammer element 90 with the two openings 340 of the hammer element spring 115. Once the aperture 166 of the hammer element 90 is lined up with the two openings 340 of the hammer element spring 115, the hammer element pin sleeve 135 is inserted through the aperture 166 and the two openings 340. According to some embodiments, after the hammer element 90 is coupled with the hammer element spring 115 using the hammer element pin sleeve 135, the hammer element 90 is pivotally coupled with the hammer element spring 115.

After the hammer element 90 is coupled with the hammer element spring 115 using the hammer element pin sleeve 135, both parts are placed in the opening 260 of the firearm 200. The hammer element pin 130 is used to retain the hammer element 90 and the hammer element spring 115 within the opening 260 of the firearm 200 as shown in FIG. 2a . Once the hammer element 90 and the hammer element spring 115 are placed in the opening 260, the hammer element pin 130 inserted into an aperture in a first side of the lower receiver and through the aperture 167 of the hammer element pin sleeve 135 and into another aperture in the second side of the lower receiver 250.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the trigger mechanism 80 can be easily removed from the opening 260 of the firearm 200. Removing the hammer element pin 130 from the lower receiver 250 releases the hammer element 90 and the hammer element spring 115 from the opening 260. Because the hammer element 90 and the hammer element spring 115 are coupled by the hammer element pin sleeve 135, both pieces are removed from the opening 260 at the same time without having to worry that the hammer element spring 115 will fly out of the opening 260.

Removing the trigger element pin 125 from the lower receiver 250 releases the disconnector 95 and the trigger element 86 from the opening 260. Because the disconnector 95 and the trigger element 86 are with the trigger element pin sleeve 140 both pieces are removed from the opening 260 at the same time.

The safety mechanism 221 is configured to facilitate the switching of the firearm 200 between different operating modes. As mentioned above, each operating mode alters the behavior of the firearm 200. According to some embodiments, the safety mechanism 221 includes a lever that is switchable between multiple positions, such as a fire mode position and a safe mode position. The safety mechanism 221 is in communication with the trigger mechanism 80. According to some embodiments, the safety mechanism 221 is disposed in the opening 260 of the lower receiver 250.

The stock 205 is configured to be positioned at a rearward portion of the firearm 200. The stock 205 provides an additional surface for a shooter to support the firearm 200, preferably against the shooter's shoulder. In some embodiments, the stock 205 includes a mount for a sling. According to some embodiments, the stock 205 is a telescoping stock. According to some embodiments, the stock 205 is foldable. According to some embodiments, the stock 205 is removably mounted to the lower receiver 250. According to some embodiments, the stock 205 is threaded to the lower receiver 250. According to some embodiments, the stock 205 is secured to the lower receiver 250 by a fastener.

According to some embodiments, the barrel (not shown) is positioned at a forward end of the firearm 200. The barrel provides a path to release an explosion gas and propel a projectile therethrough. According to some embodiments, the barrel assembly includes a rail system for mounting accessories (e.g., a fore-grip, a flashlight, a laser, optic equipment, etc.) thereto.

The grip 210 provides a point of support for the shooter of the firearm and can be held by the shooter's hand, including when operating the trigger mechanism 80. The grip 210 assists the shooter in stabilizing the firearm 200 during firing and manipulation of the firearm 200. According to some embodiments, the grip 210 is mounted to the lower receiver 250.

The magazine 215 is an ammunition storage and feeding device within the firearm 200. According to some embodiments, the magazine 215 is detachably installed on the firearm 200. For example, the magazine 215 is removably inserted into a magazine well 255 of the lower receiver 250 of the firearm 200.

Other embodiments of the firearm 200 have other configurations than the examples illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 2a-b . For example, some of the components listed above are not included in some alternative embodiments.

While several illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternative embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “plurality” includes two or more referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A trigger mechanism comprising: a trigger element comprising a first aperture; a trigger coupled with the trigger element; a disconnector comprising a second aperture; and a trigger element pin sleeve comprising a third aperture; wherein the trigger element is pivotally coupled with the disconnector by the trigger element pin sleeve positioned in the first aperture and the second aperture.
 2. The trigger mechanism of claim 1 further comprising: a hammer element comprising a fourth aperture; a hammer element spring defining two openings; and a hammer element pin sleeve comprising a fifth aperture; wherein the hammer element is pivotally coupled with the hammer element spring by the hammer element pin sleeve positioned in the fourth aperture and the two openings.
 3. The trigger mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a trigger element pin positioned in the third aperture of the trigger element pin sleeve.
 4. The trigger mechanism of claim 2 further comprising a hammer element pin positioned in the fifth aperture of the hammer element pin sleeve.
 5. The trigger mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a disconnector spring positioned between the trigger element and the disconnector.
 6. The trigger mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a trigger element spring positioned between the trigger and the front of the trigger element.
 7. The trigger mechanism of claim 6, wherein a portion of the trigger element spring protrudes from a bottom surface of the trigger element.
 8. The trigger mechanism of claim 6, wherein the trigger element spring is cone-shaped.
 9. The trigger mechanism of claim 1 further comprising one or more spacers protruding from a bottom surface of the trigger element. 